Conference: The Arab Spring: Implications and Opportunities For Canada

Since 1932, the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs has been a major player in Canada’s civic discourse about public affairs nationally. The Institute offers itself up as a “civil place to disagree.” This dynamic element brings all kinds of different people together from across Canada to participate in exchanging ideas on the issues that matter to us most. The goal? To bring understanding, awareness, and knowledge of domestic and international issues to an open and inclusive conversation, without taking sides. This openness leads to a free and lively exchange of ideas.

The name Couchinching comes from the Ojibwe gojijiing meaning “inlet.” Couchinching is a small lake in Central Ontario.

Couchiching holds conferences every year, and this year the topic is “The Arab Spring: Implications and Opportunities For Canada.”

According to their website the conference will:

“…challenge Western assumptions, provide context and understanding of the region’s complexities, and of the uprisings, their meaning, and their future. Most particularly, it will explore what they mean for Canada. What is it that captured the imagination of the Arab world and the world at large, and that continues to enthral and “frighten” some? How do these create particular challenges and opportunities for Canada in terms of its foreign policy, its economic potential, its refugees and diasporas, and its military obligations?”

Because Couchiching isn’t a think tank, there’s no pressure to come to conclusions, state a thesis, or make recommendations on how to resolve an issue. It’s a fun, lively, and interesting conversation. And the best part is that you don’t have to be invited to come. Everyone is welcome to register if they want to and are able to attend.

Couchiching is excited about today’s youth, your ideas, and what you can contribute to the conversation. There are scholarships available for young people, and accommodation is also available if you decide to go to the conference. Click here for more information on scholarships.

There are also opportunities to volunteer! Click here if you want to learn more about this awesome opportunity!